Virginia Beach Debuts Interactive Art at Mount Trashmore
The city has opened a new immersive art installation featuring kinetic sculptures and fabricated butterflies.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Fine Art
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Virginia Beach recently unveiled an interactive public art project titled Where Wonder Grows: Sanctuary at Mount Trashmore Park. The installation, created by the artist collective Skunk Control, features moving flowers, kinetic peacocks, and over 1,000 artificial butterflies.
Why it matters
The installation is part of a city-wide initiative designed to bring unique, hands-on educational experiences to the local community. By utilizing light-interactive materials, the exhibit demonstrates scientific principles behind nature and color.
The city funded the project with a $300,000 budget after reviewing nearly 100 total submissions. The display includes over 1,000 fabricated butterflies and features mechanical flowers and peacocks.
The players
Skunk Control
This artist collective based in Melbourne specializes in creating public art projects that blend science and visual storytelling.
Mount Trashmore Park
This prominent Virginia Beach landmark serves as the venue for the city's interactive public art initiative.
The details
Located near Shelter 3 in the southeast area of Mount Trashmore Park, the exhibit uses materials that interact with natural light to reveal how physical structures create color. The towering sculptures open and close mechanically, allowing for public interaction through mid-December.
Timeline
The installation was unveiled to the public in October 2026.
Evening access is unavailable on October 31, 2026.
The installation is scheduled to close on December 16, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
Public art installations increasingly prioritize interactive, educational models over static displays to drive community engagement. This shift reflects a broader trend of municipalities commissioning tech-integrated exhibits to compete for regional tourism and resident interest.
The exhibit is open to the public at Mount Trashmore Park but remains closed for evening viewing at 8 p.m. Visitors should plan their trips before the closing date on December 16, 2026, to ensure they have the opportunity to view the kinetic displays.
The takeaway
Visitors are encouraged to visit the park during daylight hours to see the light-interactive materials perform at their peak. Engaging with the kinetic sculptures offers a unique opportunity to understand optical physics through hands-on public art.
What happens next
The installation will remain open daily until it is scheduled to close on December 16, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local cultural initiatives on the Virginia Beach Fine Art section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHRO Public Media.
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